Fenerbahce have denounced the post-match confrontation that followed Monday’s 2-1 Turkish Super Lig derby loss to Galatasaray, while their Istanbul rivals hit back by accusing them of making unfounded claims.
Players and members of both coaching staffs entered the pitch after tempers flared at the final whistle. Galatasaray alleged that Fenerbahce defender Archie Brown had physically attacked their captain, Abdulkerim Bardakci, during the incident.
Fenerbahce said the intensity of a derby could not justify violence towards their players and called for a formal investigation, as well as disciplinary sanctions for those involved.
“The rivalry and pressure of a derby cannot give anybody the right to attack our footballers,” the club said. “What took place must not simply be labelled ‘derby tension’. Rather than helping to calm matters, members of the opposing side escalated the situation.”
Galatasaray dismissed that version of events, arguing that Fenerbahce were trying to deflect from the defeat by presenting false accusations and seeking to affect any subsequent disciplinary process.
“Our opponent’s statement is a clear reflection of the expression: ‘The thief shouts first in order to make the homeowner appear guilty,’” Galatasaray said.
The reigning Turkish champions also claimed Fenerbahce had contributed to the hostile atmosphere from the moment they arrived at the stadium, accusing them of making provocative gestures before kick-off and attempting to unsettle Galatasaray players.
Galatasaray further criticised the match officiating and singled out the conduct of Fenerbahce players Brown, Kerem Akturkoglu and Mert Hakan Yandas.
